Can You Renew Your Passport Online? 2026 Eligibility Guide

The State Department now lets eligible US citizens renew their passports entirely online through MyTravelGov—no forms to mail, no appointments needed. But not everyone qualifies. Here’s how to check if you’re eligible and what you’ll need.

Online Passport Renewal Eligibility Requirements

To renew your passport online, you must meet all of these criteria:

Requirement	Details
Current passport status	Must have a valid US passport or one that expired within the last 5 years
Age when issued	You were 16 or older when your current passport was issued
Passport condition	Not damaged, mutilated, or lost/stolen
Name	Same name as on current passport (or changed by marriage/court order with documentation)
Issue date	Passport was issued after 2009

If you meet all requirements, you can apply at MyTravelGov.

When You Must Apply In Person

You cannot renew online and must apply in person if:

Your passport was lost or stolen (even if later found)
Your passport is significantly damaged
You were under 16 when your current passport was issued
Your passport expired more than 5 years ago
You need to change your name (and don’t have legal documentation)
It’s your first US passport ever
Your current passport was a limited validity passport

For in-person applications, you’ll need to submit a printed passport photo along with Form DS-11 at a passport acceptance facility.

Online Renewal Costs and Timeline

Fees (2026)

Service	Cost
Passport Book (standard)	$130
Passport Card only	$30
Passport Book + Card	$160
Expedited processing	+$60

Online renewals do not require a $35 acceptance facility fee—that’s only for in-person applications.

Processing Time

Service Level	Timeline
Routine	6–8 weeks
Expedited	2–3 weeks
Expedited + 1-2 day delivery	2–3 weeks + faster shipping

Tip: Apply at least 3 months before your trip. Some countries require 6+ months validity on your passport for entry.

Digital Photo vs Printed Photo: Which Do You Need?

This is where many people get confused:

Application Type	Photo Format
Online renewal (MyTravelGov)	Digital upload only
Mail-in renewal (Form DS-82)	Printed photo only
In-person (Form DS-11)	Printed photo only

For Online Renewal: Digital Photo Requirements

Your digital photo must meet these exact specifications:

Format: JPEG (.jpg)
Dimensions: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels
File size: 54KB to 10MB
Color profile: sRGB (not P3—this trips up many iPhone users)
Recency: Taken within the last 6 months

Our digital passport photo guide covers all the technical requirements and common upload errors.

For Mail/In-Person: Printed Photo Requirements

Size: 2×2 inches
Paper: Photo-quality paper (glossy or matte)
Quantity: 1 photo (attach with paperclip, don’t staple)

Learn how to print passport photos at home for just $0.35.

How to Upload Your Photo to MyTravelGov

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Photo

Before uploading, ensure your photo:

Has a plain white background
Shows your full face with neutral expression
Has no glasses (banned since 2016)
Is properly lit with no shadows
Meets the pixel and file size requirements

Step 2: Start Your Application

Go to mytravel.state.gov
Create an account or sign in
Select “Renew Passport”
Complete the eligibility questionnaire

Step 3: Upload Your Photo

Click “Upload Photo” when prompted
Select your JPEG file
The system will automatically check for:
- Correct dimensions
- Proper file format
- Face detection and positioning
If rejected, review the error message and fix the issue

Common Upload Errors

Error	Cause	Fix
”Wrong color profile”	iPhone P3 color space	Convert to sRGB
”File too large”	Over 10MB	Compress the image
”Face not detected”	Poor lighting or angle	Retake with better lighting
”Background not uniform”	Shadows or patterns	Use plain white wall

Our tool automatically converts to sRGB and ensures compliance—try it here.

Online Renewal Step-by-Step Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to mail my old passport?

Yes. After submitting your online application, you’ll receive instructions to mail your current passport. The State Department will return it with holes punched (cancelled) along with your new passport.

Can I travel while my renewal is processing?

Not recommended. You’ll be without a passport while it’s being processed. If you have urgent travel, consider expedited service or a passport agency appointment.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

You can make changes before final submission. After submission, you may need to contact the National Passport Information Center or start a new application.

Is online renewal faster than mail?

Processing times are similar, but online applications skip the mail delivery time at the beginning. Your application starts processing as soon as you submit (vs. waiting for mail to arrive).

Can I renew a passport card online?

Yes, if you meet the same eligibility requirements. You can renew just the card ($30) or get both book and card ($160).

Create Your Digital Passport Photo

Ready to start your online renewal? You’ll need a compliant digital photo first.

Create your digital passport photo — our tool automatically:

Removes and replaces background with white
Crops to exact 600×600 pixel dimensions
Converts to sRGB color profile
Validates all State Department requirements

Download your photo for $1, then upload directly to MyTravelGov.